Muscat is the least congested city in GCC

Vinod R Nair

Published: 10:53 AM, Sep 27, 2025

Listen

Muscat is the least congested city as per the 2025 Traffic Congestion Index, issued by the Numbeo website

The capital scored 118.7 points, making it the least congested city among the Arab cities included in the index. Globally, Muscat is ranked 105, while Lagos in Nigeria is the most congested globally, with commuters spending an average of 70 minutes on a single one-way journey.

The index is based on four main criteria, including average daily commute time, degree of frustration or annoyance, efficiency of the traffic system, and emissions resulting from congestion.

These results reflect a better level of traffic flow in Muscat compared to other Arab cities, according to data monitored by the index.

In Muscat, 92.19 percent of people use private cars to transport to work or school, while 7.81 percent are working from home.

The average distance taken to commute to work or school is 23.39 km, which is covered in around 22.56 minutes.

The distance of 23.39km is covered in 0.51 minutes walking and 22.05 minutes driving.

The Numbeo Traffic Index uses user-contributed data to assess traffic congestion based on average commute time, frustration levels, traffic system efficiency, and emissions.

In the GCC, Dubai has 169.9 points, Kuwait City 155.2 points, Riyadh 154.5 points, Abu Dhabi 136.1 points, Manama 140.4 points, Doha 135.3 points, and Sharjah 310.6 points.

Traffic indices are based on user-contributed data to provide a platform where individuals can share their experiences and perceptions of traffic conditions in their respective cities.

These indices rely on data provided by users and may not reflect official or comprehensive traffic statistics.

They offer valuable insights into overall traffic conditions and commuting experiences in different locations.

Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here